The Christmas Puppy

She's not really a puppy, she will be 5 in January, and we got her the Friday before the big day, but Sasha has brought much joy into our home just when we needed it, so that is what we have been calling her. Just one more similarity with our beloved dog Murphy....we got her at the same time of year and always called her that. When Roy, Sasha's previous owner, was leaving her behind at our house and heading back to Miami, he said 'Your girls will love having a Christmas puppy.' More proof it was just meant to be.

We've been looking at rescue dog sites for months and have made many calls, but nothing worked out. When John found Sasha, it moved quickly and the owners (who were moving and couldn't take her along) offered to drive down and make sure she was going to a good home. After a few hours of looking at the front door, Sasha settled in and it's like she has lived here for years.

The girls and all their class mates met her that Friday after school....Sasha loved the attention. The following Sunday we had guests in for an open house and no one could believe we had just gotten her two days before. Sasha spent part of Christmas day curled up in one of our dinner guest's lap. Everyone just loves her. I think it's that special blend of dachshund and lab that makes Sasha so sweet, just like Murphy was.

She has filled a void that all of us have been feeling after my father passed away one month before Christmas. There has been much joy this holiday season, but it has all been tinged with a sadness that culminated Christmas evening. Lots of phone calls and texts, consoling each other from afar. Everyone has bounced back - we all agree that we were all just trying to get through the holiday and once we did it seemed okay to let the tears flow.

The girls are currently curled up on a sofa with their new Disney Princess and Pokemon comforters (even though it is still way to hot for them.....hoping this record heat goes away soon!). Giggling over Minecraft with Sasha right in the middle. They take turns taking her outside and holding the leash for walks. It's been relaxing and fun. We've got another week to hole up and enjoy each others company before school starts again. And I'm glad for this time together.

Good Grief

I've been hearing these words a lot lately since 'A Charlie Brown Christmas' is in heavy rotation at my house. We are gearing up for a wonderful Christmas at home this year. We decorated a big, full tree from MARC House. We've been playing holiday tunes and lighting lots of candles. There are several special events coming up at school and church, and two full weeks of school break to look forward to. Life is good, we are very fortunate. We have plans to help those on the island who aren't so lucky during the holidays. I've always heard that if you want to feel better you should do something nice for someone else.

Two days before Thanksgiving my dad passed away suddenly. I got the call that every person dreads. It was a shock to my entire system and to my whole family. Because Thanksgiving week is the busiest travel time of the year, we couldn't fly out until Friday morning. Those two days at home gave me clarity and although I was upset not to be able to be in Pennsylvania immediately, in hindsight I realize those days were a great gift. I was able to turn my grief from a raw state to a calmer, more reflective one. It has made me think of Charlie Brown's famous line. Maybe there really is a 'good grief.' You are sad and missing the person who passed terribly, but there is so much good to think about, wonderful memories and funny stories, that it is hard to focus only on the end of life.

It is difficult to live so far away from family during times of crisis. And there have certainly been times that I have felt selfish for being 90 miles from Cuba and 1,300ish miles from family. But in the days we have been back in Key West, I realize that this is my home. I'm am a proud Pennsylvania girl and I love my time there, but this is where my family's life is. The kindness that our church and school communities have shown us during this difficult time has been truly amazing. Honestly, I have never experienced anything like it. We are  thankful to be here and grateful for the people who have become part of our lives.